This design comes from an untitled Japanese picture postcard, originally color lithograph with ink on card stock, which was likely produced around 1906. The postcard represents a mood of political disillusionment after the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). I have carefully redrawn, recolored, and refinished this work of art by hand in order to preserve this interesting piece of history.
Although not directly referenced by the postcard, the general mood and theme of the postcard line up with the public reaction to the Treaty of Portsmouth ending the war: although Japan had won major victories, many Japanese felt the settlement was humiliating because it did not include the indemnity and spoils they expected, and that anger helped trigger protests and the Hibiya riots in 1905.
This postcard belongs to the first great age of the Japanese picture postcard. In Japan, privately produced postcards were authorized in 1900, and the new medium expanded rapidly as printing technology, postal circulation, and consumer visual culture developed together.
The text reads: “Ah, have we been sold out?! Ah, have we been deceived?!”
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to hit me up and let me know! I also do custom work, so if you want something specifically made, I can do just about anything!
*Dark color clothes may have a white underbase to enhance visibility, except for 'asphalt' and 'dark heather' colors, which are intended for a subtle, less visible print. Because of the fabric, the “white” color may be closer to a slightly off-white than bright white. The “natural” color option contains dark color speckles in the fabric, which do not show up clearly in the preview photos.
All clothing is unisex unless stated otherwise in the title or description.
Check the size guide before you buy. Custom printed clothing that is made-to-order is not eligible for return unless it arrives damaged or with some kind of problem.
• 100% cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester
• Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem
Small is 28in (71cm) length/18in (46cm) width
Medium is 29.25in (74cm) length/20in (51cm) width
Large is 30.25in (77cm) length/22in (56cm) width
XL is 31.25in (79cm) length/24in (61cm) width
2XL is 32.5in (83cm) length/26in (66cm) width
3XL is 33.5in (85cm) length/28in (71cm) width